1. What do you learn in this chapter about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family?
They are a lower class family that lives in Maycomb, Alabama, consisting of only 3 family members; Jem, Atticus and Scout.
2. What do you learn about Dill's character?
He is from Mississippi, he is a good reader, he has seen Dracula and is spending his summer with his aunt.
3. What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley?
He had been causing trouble and mischief and was charged for; Assault and battery, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and using profane language in the presence and hearing of a female. He was going to be sent to a special school, but his father made a vow to keep him from causing trouble in the town again.
4. Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?
They had never been inside the house or seen Boo they're entire lives.
5. What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint in the novel?
First person and great vocabulary for a 6 year old child.
Chapter 2
1. Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school?
Scout loves learning and wants to go to school to show off her skills in reading and to learn more.
2. Why does Jem not want anything to do with Scout at school? Is his behaviour typical of an older child?
Jem is worried, like any big brother would be, that his little sister will humiliate him at school by mentioning things they do at home. He wants his schoolmates to view him as a mature young man, not someone who plays childish games.
3. What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher? Can you find qualities which would make her good or not so good at her job?
Miss Caroline knows only the basics of teaching, so she could potentially share a lot of knowledge with her students, but she does not understand their world at all.
Chapter 3
1. Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household?
Calpurnia the Finch's housekeeper, she has established a respected placein the Finch family through years of dedicated service and through the love she has shown the Finch children.
2. What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behaviour during lunch suggest about his home life?
Walter is from a poor farming family, he is polite and shy and very proud and he will take no charity from anyone.
3. What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter?
Atticus shows respect for Walter, as he does for everyone.
4. Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think this is?
Scout learns that judging other people just displays your own lack of class.
5. Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean?
It means that until you understand these things about a person, you should not judge him.
6. What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
They have low social status and the Ewell children only come to school on the first day.
Chapter 4
1. What does Scout think of current fashions in education?
Scout is very bored in school. She wants to read and her teacher won’t let her.
2. What superstitions do the children have in connection with the Radley house?
Poison nuts fall off the tree into the schoolyard and Boo comes out and haunts the town at dark.
3. Why do the children make Boo's story into a game?
Boo is a obscurity to them and they want to picture what his life must have been like .
4. What do they do in this game? Do you think the game is an accurate version of what happens in the Radleys' home?
In the game they carry out everything they have ever heard about Boo’s life.
5. What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?
It could have been Boo watching the children and he thinks its funny to see a little girl rolling in a tire then crashing into his yard.
Chapter 5
1. Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson? How typical is she of Maycomb's women? What do the children think of her?
Miss Maudie is the Finches' neighbor, widow, and an old friend of the family
2. What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? How does this compare with what Scout already believes?
Scout believes that all people are essentially good. Because of her adolescence and innocence, Scout cannot see the evil that resides in human nature.
3. Scout claims that “Dill could tell the biggest ones ” (lies) she ever heard. Why might Dill have told such lies?
Dill was lonely. He tells lies because he wants other people to like him and want to spend time with him.
4. What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why?
Atticus catches them and orders them to "stop tormenting that man". As an adult, Atticus can see the real damage the game may be causing.
Chapter 6
1. Why does Scout disapprove of Jem's and Dill's plan of looking in at one of the Radleys' windows?
Because Atticus instructed them not to invade people's privacy
2. What does Mr. Nathan Radley know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?
The children created noise in the yard, alerting Nathan Radley to their presence. Because it was rather dark, being that it was night, so Mr. Radley could not see who it was in his garden. He just assumed that it had been an African American man.
3. Why does Dill's explanation of Jem's state of dress almost land him in trouble?
Because Dill says they were playing strip poker and Atticus doesn't want Jem nor Dill to play a game like that.
Chapter 7
1. When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?Jem found his trousers folded up, and partially mended on the fence, almost as if someone had read his mind.
2. Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What do you think this is?
Jem begins to understand that the society does not recognize Boo as a "regular" person, which Scout has not quite realized yet.
3. Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.
Jem does not fear the gifts, actually, he is pretty interested in them and is always amazed with the next gifts he finds.
4. When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Who does it, and why might he do so?
When Jem goes to deliver the note, he finds the knothole being cemented over by Mr. Radley. Boo's brother does not like the idea of him communicating with young children.
Chapter 8
1. Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?
What he says is that he knew all along that Jem had lost his pants that night and that the 3 of them were running around Boo's garden. He says to her, "You know Mr. Nathan shoots at every shadow he sees, even shadows that leave size-four bare footprints. You were lucky not to be killed."
2. What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it?
Jem and Scout make a very unattractive snowman of Mr. Avery which Atticus calls a "near libel." They both think it is hilarious.
3. Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair?
Atticus saves Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair because he, like Scout, understands that it is "what she values most”
4. When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?
Jem realises that it was infact Boo Radley that had put the blanket around her shoulders to keep her warm
5. Explain what Atticus means by telling Jem not to let his discovery “inspire ” him to “further glory”? Is there any reason why Jem might now do as his father says?
He is basically telling him not to get his hopes up.
Chapter 9
1. How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time?
Atticus feels that he has to protect Tom Robinson because of his uprightness. On pg 104 he says to scout that he couldn't go to church and praise god if he didn't try and help Tom, and no it was very unusual for white lawyer to try and put up any sort of case for an African American.
2. Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and why?
Their relatives are coming over and they dont get along with them. Scout has also never got along with her aunt.
3. Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?
Growing out her pants means she's becoming a woman, she should start acting more appropriate and wearing dresses.
4. When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?
She finds out that he is a horrible racist, and also despises Atticus.
5. Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?
She learns that Atticus always tells them the truth and that he doesn't have anything to hide from her.
6. Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.
Atticus is trying to teach his children equality. When uncle Jack punishes Scout, she gets really angry because Atticus always listens to both sides of the story before making a conclusion.
Chapter 10
1. Scout says that “Atticus was feeble”. Do you think that this is her view as she tells the story or her view when she was younger? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter?
Scout and Jem wished Atticus was younger at the start of the story and wanted him to do things like other dads. But when Atticus shot the rabid dog, the children found out that Atticus had been a brilliant shot when he was younger, and they had new admire for Atticus for a father.
2. In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”. What reason does he give for saying this?
Atticus says that killing a mockingbird is a sin because they do nothing against us, they do is sing for us.
3. Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson? Heck Tate doesn't want to kill Tim Johnson, because if he missed Tim Johnson would go into the Radley house and hurt someone.
4. Near the end of this chapter Atticus cuts off Heck Tate as he is speaking to Jem. What might Heck have been about to say, and why would Atticus want to stop him from saying it? Atticus doesn't want Jem to know that he was the “Best shot in town” when he was a kid. He doesn't want to brag about his talent because "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents".
5. Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can shoot. Explain this difference. Which view is closer to your own?
Since both Jem and Scout know of Atticus' great talent, Scout would want to brag to her friends that her dad can do something interesting, and not have to be the only person without an exciting father. Jem feels completely the opposite way towards this, and he doesn't want to share this with his friends.
Chapter 11
1. How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose's taunts?
Atticus told Jem to simply just ignore her comments and walk away.
2. What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's mother? How does Jem feel about this?
She said that she would be ashamed about how the kkids turned out.
3. What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”?
She requested that Jem could stay around and keep her company.
4. Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him?
He describes the insult as "childish", and it is just as childish as children insults like "snot-head".
5. Why, in Atticus's view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”?
Because she made an effort and managed to "kick" her morphine addiction before she died.
6. Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What does he mean? Do you think he is right?
The second part mostly consists of the trial, and its also when Scout and Jem begin to leave their old childhood behind.
Chapter 12
1. Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase church. The children experience racism for the first time as white visitors to a black church. When Lula insults Calpurnia and starts walking toward the children, Jem says, "Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here" and Scout consents. But there are many more people like Reverend Sykes, who is glad to have the children visit.
2. What new things does Scout learn here about how the black people live? Scout learns is that prejudice works both ways. When the children and Calpurnia encounter an angry church member named Lula who questions Calpurnia about bringing white children to their church and says that they don't belong there.
3. What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account of Zeebo's education? Calpurnia explains to Jem and Scout that "There wasn't a school even when was a boy," and mention that it was she that "made him learn, though."
4. Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church. Calpurnia speaks differently at home, and with Jem and Scout because she has to fit in with both of the groups.
Chapter 13
1. Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like?
Aunt Alexandra moves in with Scout, Jem, and Atticus "for a while" in order to give Scout some "feminine influence."
2. Read the first two things Aunt Alexandra says when she comes to the Finch home: "Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia" and "Jean Louise, stop scratching your head". Are these typical of her or not?
This behavior from Alexandria is very typical, and shows her lack of respect for African American people.
3. Alexandra thinks Scout is “dull” (not clever). Why does she think this, and is she right? Are all adults good at knowing how clever young people are?
She does not think Scout is a proper lady and she doesn't believe she is very smart because of Scout's personality and the way she dresses.
4. How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's social life?
She could get along with the other residents of the Maycomb society but did not understand the childish values of Jem and Scout.
5. Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and family. Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who is right, do you think?
Alexandra believes in "gentle breeding" and living up to the family's name.
Chapter 14
1. Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape. How suitable is this as an answer to Scout.
"Carnal knowledge of woman without her consent" I believe that that was a suitable explanation since she's only 8 and She doesn't know what that is.
2. Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?
She prefers that the children are raised by a white woman and not a black woman. Atticus said that Calpurnia is already part of the family and the children see her as something close to mother.
3. Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill?
Jem fighting back at Scout showed her that "theywere still equals".
4. What do we learn from Dill's account of his running away?
The most important thing we learn about Dill is his sensitivity to injustice and cruelty. Chapter 15 1. What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?
Scout and Jem witness the hatred of the mob and the horrors of racism, and see their father in a vulnerable, or maybe deadly, position.
2. What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus's comment "The Ku Klux/'s gone. It'll never come back."
They are particularly well known for the white robes that they wear and for the burning of crosses and lynching of African Americans.
3. How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go home, and why?
Jem refuses to go home, for several reasons.
4. What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life?
The lynch mob is discouraged by Scout and Jem who show up outside the jail cell where Atticus is acting as a guard for Tom Robinson.
5. Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.
Scout thinks she is just being polite by talking to Mr. Cunningham, but really she is totally diffusing the group's anger.
Chapter 16
1. What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her father?
Atticus is starting to become annoyed and impatient with Aunt Alexandra.
2. What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond?
A white man from a rich family who lives with a black women and thier children, the white community look down on him as he seems drunk almost all the time.
3. How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial? Is he right to do?
He lets them sit with him in the colored balcony
4. Comment on Judge Taylor's attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not?
Judge Taylor appears to be rather old and tired during the trial. We know that he must take his job seriously because he asks Atticus to defend Tom Robinson.
Chapter 17
1. What are the main points in Heck Tate's evidence? What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?
Atticus proves that May Ella was beaten on the left side of her face. Tom's left arm is useless.
2. What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter?
Bob beats his kids and doesn't see to even their basic basic needs. His kids grow up feral.
3. What do you learn from Bob Ewell's evidence?
Ewell is left handed. Whoever hit Mayella on the night of the rape was also left handed.
4. Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this?
He wants to show that Ewell is left-handed.
Chapter 18
1. Is Mayella like her father or different from him? In what ways?
Mayella is not different from her father at all. They are both rude and they are both compulsive liars.
2. What might be the reason for Mayella's crying in the court?
She knows she is lying, and is under pressure from her father to not give the story away.
3. How does Mayella react to Atticus's politeness? Is she used to people being polite?
She reacts with suspicion, she is not used to people treating her with courtesy.
4. How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom's guilt in the eyes of the reader (you) and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different?
They are clearly not convinced because there is no evidence whatsoever with which to convict Tom, they all know he's innocent, the jury aren't unintelligent people.
Chapter 19
1. What made Tom visit the Ewell's house in the first place?
Mayella had asked him to come in to look at the door because it was 'broken'.
2. Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the loneliest person in the world”?
Scout thinks Mayella seems lonely because Mayella doesn't seem to understand the concept of friends.
3. In your own words explain Mayella's relationship with her father.
Her relationship with her father is an abusive. He beats her and makes her do all the work around the house.
4. How does Dill react to this part of the trial? Why is this, in your opinion?
He doesn't understand why everyone is so horrible to Tom and he knows its wrong for people to treat another person that way.
Chapter 20
1. Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man”. Is she right?
No, he just keeps up the presence of being drunk so that people don't bother him when he spends time with black people.
2. In most states of the USA people who drink alcohol in public places are required
to hide their bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?
Dolphus believes that if he poses as a drunk than people will think he does the things he does bcause hs is drunk
3. What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong?
The unspoken code in Maycomb, does not allow for a white women to have feelings for a colored man.
4. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's views on people's being equal.
At the end of the trial Atticus concludes his defence by appealing to the jury, 'This case is as simple as black and white'
Chapter 21
1. What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does Atticus think the same?
Jem thinks the verdict will be "not guilty" because to him it has been clearly and logically proven that Tom could not possibly have committed the crime.
2. What is unusual about how long it takes the jury to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?
jurors were taught by society to be prejudiced & decide quickly, but knew the Ewells were lying.
3. As Scout waits for the verdict, she thinks of earlier events. What are these and how do they remind us of the novel's central themes?
Some earlier events were that Atiicus had done a really good job with the case. Scout was sure that Atticus was going to prove that Tom was not guilty. It reminds us of the novels central themes because there were little cases that black people won.
Chapter 22
1. Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jem's right to know what has happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's reasons for this. (Look at the speech beginning, “This is their home, sister”.
Atticus didn't want Jem to see how the townspeople would act towards him and towards the whole case
2. Miss Maudie tells Jem that “things are never as bad as they seem”. What reasons does she give for this view?
She is trying to convince him that not all people are bad.
3. Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he would keep this ambition for long?
Dill's career choice as a clown come s from the unhappiness he has experienced and witnessed.
4. This story is set in the 1930s but was published in 1960. Have attitudes to racism remained the same (in the USA and the UK) or have there been any changes (for the better or worse) since then, in your view?
They have remained the same, but not carried out tho the certain extents back then.
5. Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one, and how might he try to “get” Atticus?
Bob Ewell feels threatened by Atticus and anyone else who may judge his way of life.
Chapter 23
1. What do you think of Atticus's reaction to Bob Ewell's challenge? Should he have ignored Bob, retaliated or done something else?
Atticus doesn't seem upset, but rather happy that Bob Ewell challenged him
2. What is “circumstantial evidence”? What has it got to do with Tom's conviction?
Circumstantial evidence means that the person is being accused based on evidence that cannot be proved.
3. What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom?
More people believed Atticus and the people had to listen to atticus long speech
4. Why does Aunt Alexandra accept that the Cunninghams may be good but are not “our kind of folks”? Do you think that people should mix only with others of the same social class? Are class-divisions good or bad for societies?
Aunt Alexandra means that the Cunninghams are poor and they are not as high on the "social ladder" as the Finch's
5. At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new theory about why Boo Radley has never left his house in years. What is this? How likely is it to be true, in your opinion?
Well at first Jem thought Boo was trapped in his home and that he was chained to his bed
But later on in the book he asks what if Boo wants to stay inside
Chapter 24
1. Do you think the missionary ladies are sincere in worrying about the “Mrunas” (a tribe in Africa)? Give reasons for your answer.
They are a social club and they are not really political activists. They have some good intention when it comes to the idea of helping the Murnas, they don't even have a full understanding of the situation.
2. Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her “britches” under her dress.
Miss Maudie doesn't care that she is doing that but all the other ladies think that it is improper because she should not wear boys clothes under her dress.
3. What is your opinion of the Maycomb ladies, as depicted in this chapter?
The ladies of Maycomb are exactly like Aunt Alexandra.
4. Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus's explanation for Tom's attempted escape. Do you think agree with Atticus?
The prisoners were out for their exercise period when Tom Robinson just started running for the fence. He says the guards shot Tom 17 times.
5. How, in this chapter, do we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?
Not yet, but she is beginning to understand why Atticus is doing things the way he is.
Chapter 25
1. How does Maycomb react to the news of Tom's death?
How Maycomb as a whole reacted was much different than how Atticus and his family reacted. Atticus was devastated; Aunt Alexandra even said that "it tears him to pieces."
2. Comment on the idea that Tom's death was “typical”?
Everyone agreed that it was typical of a black man to do something irrational before thinking about it and simply running away.
3. Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and “the secret courts of men's hearts”. In what way are hearts like courts?
It was clear to everyone in the court room that Tom was innocent, and no one liked the Ewells, but because Tom was black, and the Ewells were white, he was found guilty
4. Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell's "One down and about two more to go" commentWas this a wise thing to ask her to do?
Jem is becoming more mature as he progresses in the novel. He has remembered how Atticus reacted when Ewell spat in his face, he wants Scout to do the same; No reaction to whatever Ewell does.
Chapter 26
1. In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that “we (American people) don't believe in persecuting anyone”. What seems odd to the reader about this claim?
Miss Gates laments the treatment of the Jews, but Scout has heard her making racist remarks about African Americans.
2. Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates' disapproval of Hitler?
Scout is puzzled because Miss Gates doesn't disapprove of the way black people are treated because of their race, but she disapproves of how the Nazi's discriminate against the Jews because of their religion.
3. Why does Scout's question upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer, to the question (“How can you hate Hitler an’ then turn around an be ugly about folks right at home?”
Jem is still very upset about what happened to Tom Robinson. He believed that the jury would find Tom innocent because Atticus proved that he did not rape Mayella.
Chapter 27
1. What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarm Aunt Alexandra?
After the trial, Bob Ewell threatened Atticus, who made it clear he would not fight even if Ewell attacked. Ewell was also terminated from his job, someone attempted to enter Judge Taylor's house and the Ewells harassed Tom Robinson's wife as she walked by their home.
2. Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his enemies, and why?
Bob Ewell resents Judge Tayor and Atticus for simply doing the job to investigate the case.
3. What was the purpose of the Halloween pageant? What practical joke had persuaded the grown ups to have an organized event?
The Halloween pageant's theme was not along its usual lines but that year it was to show the diversity of agricultural products from the region.
Chapter 28
1. Comment on the way this chapter reminds the reader of earlier events in the novel.
when we find out that it was Bob Ewell that attacked them, it reminds us of all of the threats that he made against Atticus and his family
2. Why does Jem say that Boo Radley must not be at home? What is ironic about this? (Is it true? Does he really mean it? Why might it be important for him and Scout thatBoo should not be at home?)
The irony of this is that Boo Radley has been nowhere but home for years
3. Scout decides to keep her costume on while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way?
Scout could not hear the sound that Jem heard behind them on their way home from the Halloween pageant.
4. Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be?
Scout thought that "this one was probably more comfortable where he was."
Chapter 29
1. What causes the “shiny clean line” on the otherwise “dull wire” of Scout's costume?
Mr. Ewell tried to stab Scout with the knife, but it hit the wire of the costume, causing the line.
2. What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell's attack?
Atticus said that Bob Ewell was out of his mind and insane.
3. What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?
Heck Tate said that Bob Ewell was a vicious coward who was worthless as a human being.
4. Do you think the sheriff's explanation or Atticus's is the more likely to be true?
I believe that Heck Tate's explanation is the more appropriate conclusion.
Chapter 30
1. Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell's death?
Atticus thinks that Jem killed Bob Ewell in the course of the struggle.
2. Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell's death was self-inflicted? In what way is this partly true?
It could be said that Bob Ewell's death was his own fault, since he died in an attempt to attack children.
3. Is Heck Tate right to spare Boo then publicity of an inquest? Give reasons for your answer.
Yes, Boo saved Jem and Scout's lives and brought a murder to his well deserved death.
4. How does the writer handle the appearance, at the end of the story, of Boo Radley?
"His face was as white as his hands...his cheeks were thin to hollowness...and his gray eyes were so colorless I thought he was blind. His hair was dead and thin, almost feathery on top of his head."
Chapter 31
1. How do the events of the final chapters explain the first sentence in the whole novel?
2. Comment on the way the writer summarizes earlier events to show their significance.
3. How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atticus's as she stands on the Radley porch?
4. How much of a surprise is it fo find what Boo Radley is really like? Has the story before this point prepared the reader for this discovery? The story portrays Boo Radley as a villain throughout the novel, making his actual personality quite the surprise.
Chapter 1
1. What do you learn in this chapter about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family?
They are a lower class family that lives in Maycomb, Alabama, consisting of only 3 family members; Jem, Atticus and Scout.
2. What do you learn about Dill's character?
He is from Mississippi, he is a good reader, he has seen Dracula and is spending his summer with his aunt.
3. What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley?
He had been causing trouble and mischief and was charged for; Assault and battery, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and using profane language in the presence and hearing of a female. He was going to be sent to a special school, but his father made a vow to keep him from causing trouble in the town again.
4. Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?
They had never been inside the house or seen Boo they're entire lives.
5. What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint in the novel?
First person and great vocabulary for a 6 year old child.
Chapter 2
1. Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school?
Scout loves learning and wants to go to school to show off her skills in reading and to learn more.
2. Why does Jem not want anything to do with Scout at school? Is his behaviour typical of an older child?
Jem is worried, like any big brother would be, that his little sister will humiliate him at school by mentioning things they do at home. He wants his schoolmates to view him as a mature young man, not someone who plays childish games.
3. What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher? Can you find qualities which would make her good or not so good at her job?
Miss Caroline knows only the basics of teaching, so she could potentially share a lot of knowledge with her students, but she does not understand their world at all.
Chapter 3
1. Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household?
Calpurnia the Finch's housekeeper, she has established a respected placein the Finch family through years of dedicated service and through the love she has shown the Finch children.
2. What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behaviour during lunch suggest about his home life?
Walter is from a poor farming family, he is polite and shy and very proud and he will take no charity from anyone.
3. What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter?
Atticus shows respect for Walter, as he does for everyone.
4. Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think this is?
Scout learns that judging other people just displays your own lack of class.
5. Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean?
It means that until you understand these things about a person, you should not judge him.
6. What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
They have low social status and the Ewell children only come to school on the first day.
Chapter 4
1. What does Scout think of current fashions in education?
Scout is very bored in school. She wants to read and her teacher won’t let her.
2. What superstitions do the children have in connection with the Radley house?
Poison nuts fall off the tree into the schoolyard and Boo comes out and haunts the town at dark.
3. Why do the children make Boo's story into a game?
Boo is a obscurity to them and they want to picture what his life must have been like .
4. What do they do in this game? Do you think the game is an accurate version of what happens in the Radleys' home?
In the game they carry out everything they have ever heard about Boo’s life.
5. What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?
It could have been Boo watching the children and he thinks its funny to see a little girl rolling in a tire then crashing into his yard.
Chapter 5
1. Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson? How typical is she of Maycomb's women? What do the children think of her?
Miss Maudie is the Finches' neighbor, widow, and an old friend of the family
2. What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? How does this compare with what Scout already believes?
Scout believes that all people are essentially good. Because of her adolescence and innocence, Scout cannot see the evil that resides in human nature.
3. Scout claims that “Dill could tell the biggest ones ” (lies) she ever heard. Why might Dill have told such lies?
Dill was lonely. He tells lies because he wants other people to like him and want to spend time with him.
4. What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why?
Atticus catches them and orders them to "stop tormenting that man". As an adult, Atticus can see the real damage the game may be causing.
Chapter 6
1. Why does Scout disapprove of Jem's and Dill's plan of looking in at one of the Radleys' windows?
Because Atticus instructed them not to invade people's privacy
2. What does Mr. Nathan Radley know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?
The children created noise in the yard, alerting Nathan Radley to their presence. Because it was rather dark, being that it was night, so Mr. Radley could not see who it was in his garden. He just assumed that it had been an African American man.
3. Why does Dill's explanation of Jem's state of dress almost land him in trouble?
Because Dill says they were playing strip poker and Atticus doesn't want Jem nor Dill to play a game like that.
Chapter 7
1. When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?Jem found his trousers folded up, and partially mended on the fence, almost as if someone had read his mind.
2. Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What do you think this is?
Jem begins to understand that the society does not recognize Boo as a "regular" person, which Scout has not quite realized yet.
3. Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.
Jem does not fear the gifts, actually, he is pretty interested in them and is always amazed with the next gifts he finds.
4. When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Who does it, and why might he do so?
When Jem goes to deliver the note, he finds the knothole being cemented over by Mr. Radley. Boo's brother does not like the idea of him communicating with young children.
Chapter 8
1. Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?
What he says is that he knew all along that Jem had lost his pants that night and that the 3 of them were running around Boo's garden. He says to her, "You know Mr. Nathan shoots at every shadow he sees, even shadows that leave size-four bare footprints. You were lucky not to be killed."
2. What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it?
Jem and Scout make a very unattractive snowman of Mr. Avery which Atticus calls a "near libel." They both think it is hilarious.
3. Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair?
Atticus saves Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair because he, like Scout, understands that it is "what she values most”
4. When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?
Jem realises that it was infact Boo Radley that had put the blanket around her shoulders to keep her warm
5. Explain what Atticus means by telling Jem not to let his discovery “inspire ” him to “further glory”? Is there any reason why Jem might now do as his father says?
He is basically telling him not to get his hopes up.
Chapter 9
1. How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time?
Atticus feels that he has to protect Tom Robinson because of his uprightness. On pg 104 he says to scout that he couldn't go to church and praise god if he didn't try and help Tom, and no it was very unusual for white lawyer to try and put up any sort of case for an African American.
2. Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and why?
Their relatives are coming over and they dont get along with them. Scout has also never got along with her aunt.
3. Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?
Growing out her pants means she's becoming a woman, she should start acting more appropriate and wearing dresses.
4. When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?
She finds out that he is a horrible racist, and also despises Atticus.
5. Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?
She learns that Atticus always tells them the truth and that he doesn't have anything to hide from her.
6. Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.
Atticus is trying to teach his children equality. When uncle Jack punishes Scout, she gets really angry because Atticus always listens to both sides of the story before making a conclusion.
Chapter 10
1. Scout says that “Atticus was feeble”. Do you think that this is her view as she tells the story or her view when she was younger? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter?
Scout and Jem wished Atticus was younger at the start of the story and wanted him to do things like other dads. But when Atticus shot the rabid dog, the children found out that Atticus had been a brilliant shot when he was younger, and they had new admire for Atticus for a father.
2. In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”. What reason does he give for saying this?
Atticus says that killing a mockingbird is a sin because they do nothing against us, they do is sing for us.
3. Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson?
Heck Tate doesn't want to kill Tim Johnson, because if he missed Tim Johnson would go into the Radley house and hurt someone.
4. Near the end of this chapter Atticus cuts off Heck Tate as he is speaking to Jem. What might Heck have been about to say, and why would Atticus want to stop him from saying it?
Atticus doesn't want Jem to know that he was the “Best shot in town” when he was a kid. He doesn't want to brag about his talent because "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents".
5. Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can shoot. Explain this difference. Which view is closer to your own?
Since both Jem and Scout know of Atticus' great talent, Scout would want to brag to her friends that her dad can do something interesting, and not have to be the only person without an exciting father. Jem feels completely the opposite way towards this, and he doesn't want to share this with his friends.
Chapter 11
1. How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose's taunts?
Atticus told Jem to simply just ignore her comments and walk away.
2. What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's mother? How does Jem feel about this?
She said that she would be ashamed about how the kkids turned out.
3. What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”?
She requested that Jem could stay around and keep her company.
4. Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him?
He describes the insult as "childish", and it is just as childish as children insults like "snot-head".
5. Why, in Atticus's view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”?
Because she made an effort and managed to "kick" her morphine addiction before she died.
6. Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What does he mean? Do you think he is right?
The second part mostly consists of the trial, and its also when Scout and Jem begin to leave their old childhood behind.
Chapter 12
1. Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase church.
The children experience racism for the first time as white visitors to a black church. When Lula insults Calpurnia and starts walking toward the children, Jem says, "Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here" and Scout consents. But there are many more people like Reverend Sykes, who is glad to have the children visit.
2. What new things does Scout learn here about how the black people live?
Scout learns is that prejudice works both ways. When the children and Calpurnia encounter an angry church member named Lula who questions Calpurnia about bringing white children to their church and says that they don't belong there.
3. What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account of Zeebo's education?
Calpurnia explains to Jem and Scout that "There wasn't a school even when was a boy," and mention that it was she that "made him learn, though."
4. Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church. Calpurnia speaks differently at home, and with Jem and Scout because she has to fit in with both of the groups.
Chapter 13
1. Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like?
Aunt Alexandra moves in with Scout, Jem, and Atticus "for a while" in order to give Scout some "feminine influence."
2. Read the first two things Aunt Alexandra says when she comes to the Finch home: "Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia" and "Jean Louise, stop scratching your head". Are these typical of her or not?
This behavior from Alexandria is very typical, and shows her lack of respect for African American people.
3. Alexandra thinks Scout is “dull” (not clever). Why does she think this, and is she right? Are all adults good at knowing how clever young people are?
She does not think Scout is a proper lady and she doesn't believe she is very smart because of Scout's personality and the way she dresses.
4. How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's social life?
She could get along with the other residents of the Maycomb society but did not understand the childish values of Jem and Scout.
5. Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and family. Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who is right, do you think?
Alexandra believes in "gentle breeding" and living up to the family's name.
Chapter 14
1. Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape. How suitable is this as an answer to Scout.
"Carnal knowledge of woman without her consent" I believe that that was a suitable explanation since she's only 8 and She doesn't know what that is.
2. Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?
She prefers that the children are raised by a white woman and not a black woman. Atticus said that Calpurnia is already part of the family and the children see her as something close to mother.
3. Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill?
Jem fighting back at Scout showed her that "theywere still equals".
4. What do we learn from Dill's account of his running away?
The most important thing we learn about Dill is his sensitivity to injustice and cruelty.
Chapter 15
1. What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?
Scout and Jem witness the hatred of the mob and the horrors of racism, and see their father in a vulnerable, or maybe deadly, position.
2. What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus's comment "The Ku Klux/'s gone. It'll never come back."
They are particularly well known for the white robes that they wear and for the burning of crosses and lynching of African Americans.
3. How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go home, and why?
Jem refuses to go home, for several reasons.
4. What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life?
The lynch mob is discouraged by Scout and Jem who show up outside the jail cell where Atticus is acting as a guard for Tom Robinson.
5. Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.
Scout thinks she is just being polite by talking to Mr. Cunningham, but really she is totally diffusing the group's anger.
Chapter 16
1. What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her father?
Atticus is starting to become annoyed and impatient with Aunt Alexandra.
2. What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond?
A white man from a rich family who lives with a black women and thier children, the white community look down on him as he seems drunk almost all the time.
3. How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial? Is he right to do?
He lets them sit with him in the colored balcony
4. Comment on Judge Taylor's attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not?
Judge Taylor appears to be rather old and tired during the trial. We know that he must take his job seriously because he asks Atticus to defend Tom Robinson.
Chapter 17
1. What are the main points in Heck Tate's evidence? What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?
Atticus proves that May Ella was beaten on the left side of her face. Tom's left arm is useless.
2. What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter?
Bob beats his kids and doesn't see to even their basic basic needs. His kids grow up feral.
3. What do you learn from Bob Ewell's evidence?
Ewell is left handed. Whoever hit Mayella on the night of the rape was also left handed.
4. Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this?
He wants to show that Ewell is left-handed.
Chapter 18
1. Is Mayella like her father or different from him? In what ways?
Mayella is not different from her father at all. They are both rude and they are both compulsive liars.
2. What might be the reason for Mayella's crying in the court?
She knows she is lying, and is under pressure from her father to not give the story away.
3. How does Mayella react to Atticus's politeness? Is she used to people being polite?
She reacts with suspicion, she is not used to people treating her with courtesy.
4. How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom's guilt in the eyes of the reader (you) and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different?
They are clearly not convinced because there is no evidence whatsoever with which to convict Tom, they all know he's innocent, the jury aren't unintelligent people.
Chapter 19
1. What made Tom visit the Ewell's house in the first place?
Mayella had asked him to come in to look at the door because it was 'broken'.
2. Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the loneliest person in the world”?
Scout thinks Mayella seems lonely because Mayella doesn't seem to understand the concept of friends.
3. In your own words explain Mayella's relationship with her father.
Her relationship with her father is an abusive. He beats her and makes her do all the work around the house.
4. How does Dill react to this part of the trial? Why is this, in your opinion?
He doesn't understand why everyone is so horrible to Tom and he knows its wrong for people to treat another person that way.
Chapter 20
1. Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man”. Is she right?
No, he just keeps up the presence of being drunk so that people don't bother him when he spends time with black people.
2. In most states of the USA people who drink alcohol in public places are required
to hide their bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?
Dolphus believes that if he poses as a drunk than people will think he does the things he does bcause hs is drunk
3. What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong?
The unspoken code in Maycomb, does not allow for a white women to have feelings for a colored man.
4. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's views on people's being equal.
At the end of the trial Atticus concludes his defence by appealing to the jury, 'This case is as simple as black and white'
Chapter 21
1. What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does Atticus think the same?
Jem thinks the verdict will be "not guilty" because to him it has been clearly and logically proven that Tom could not possibly have committed the crime.
2. What is unusual about how long it takes the jury to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?
jurors were taught by society to be prejudiced & decide quickly, but knew the Ewells were lying.
3. As Scout waits for the verdict, she thinks of earlier events. What are these and how do they remind us of the novel's central themes?
Some earlier events were that Atiicus had done a really good job with the case. Scout was sure that Atticus was going to prove that Tom was not guilty. It reminds us of the novels central themes because there were little cases that black people won.
Chapter 22
1. Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jem's right to know what has happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's reasons for this. (Look at the speech beginning, “This is their home, sister”.
Atticus didn't want Jem to see how the townspeople would act towards him and towards the whole case
2. Miss Maudie tells Jem that “things are never as bad as they seem”. What reasons does she give for this view?
She is trying to convince him that not all people are bad.
3. Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he would keep this ambition for long?
Dill's career choice as a clown come s from the unhappiness he has experienced and witnessed.
4. This story is set in the 1930s but was published in 1960. Have attitudes to racism remained the same (in the USA and the UK) or have there been any changes (for the better or worse) since then, in your view?
They have remained the same, but not carried out tho the certain extents back then.
5. Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one, and how might he try to “get” Atticus?
Bob Ewell feels threatened by Atticus and anyone else who may judge his way of life.
Chapter 23
1. What do you think of Atticus's reaction to Bob Ewell's challenge? Should he have ignored Bob, retaliated or done something else?
Atticus doesn't seem upset, but rather happy that Bob Ewell challenged him
2. What is “circumstantial evidence”? What has it got to do with Tom's conviction?
Circumstantial evidence means that the person is being accused based on evidence that cannot be proved.
3. What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom?
More people believed Atticus and the people had to listen to atticus long speech
4. Why does Aunt Alexandra accept that the Cunninghams may be good but are not “our kind of folks”? Do you think that people should mix only with others of the same social class? Are class-divisions good or bad for societies?
Aunt Alexandra means that the Cunninghams are poor and they are not as high on the "social ladder" as the Finch's
5. At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new theory about why Boo Radley has never left his house in years. What is this? How likely is it to be true, in your opinion?
Well at first Jem thought Boo was trapped in his home and that he was chained to his bed
But later on in the book he asks what if Boo wants to stay inside
Chapter 24
1. Do you think the missionary ladies are sincere in worrying about the “Mrunas” (a tribe in Africa)? Give reasons for your answer.
They are a social club and they are not really political activists. They have some good intention when it comes to the idea of helping the Murnas, they don't even have a full understanding of the situation.
2. Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her “britches” under her dress.
Miss Maudie doesn't care that she is doing that but all the other ladies think that it is improper because she should not wear boys clothes under her dress.
3. What is your opinion of the Maycomb ladies, as depicted in this chapter?
The ladies of Maycomb are exactly like Aunt Alexandra.
4. Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus's explanation for Tom's attempted escape. Do you think agree with Atticus?
The prisoners were out for their exercise period when Tom Robinson just started running for the fence. He says the guards shot Tom 17 times.
5. How, in this chapter, do we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?
Not yet, but she is beginning to understand why Atticus is doing things the way he is.
Chapter 25
1. How does Maycomb react to the news of Tom's death?
How Maycomb as a whole reacted was much different than how Atticus and his family reacted. Atticus was devastated; Aunt Alexandra even said that "it tears him to pieces."
2. Comment on the idea that Tom's death was “typical”?
Everyone agreed that it was typical of a black man to do something irrational before thinking about it and simply running away.
3. Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and “the secret courts of men's hearts”. In what way are hearts like courts?
It was clear to everyone in the court room that Tom was innocent, and no one liked the Ewells, but because Tom was black, and the Ewells were white, he was found guilty
4. Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell's "One down and about two more to go" comment Was this a wise thing to ask her to do?
Jem is becoming more mature as he progresses in the novel. He has remembered how Atticus reacted when Ewell spat in his face, he wants Scout to do the same; No reaction to whatever Ewell does.
Chapter 26
1. In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that “we (American people) don't believe in persecuting anyone”. What seems odd to the reader about this claim?
Miss Gates laments the treatment of the Jews, but Scout has heard her making racist remarks about African Americans.
2. Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates' disapproval of Hitler?
Scout is puzzled because Miss Gates doesn't disapprove of the way black people are treated because of their race, but she disapproves of how the Nazi's discriminate against the Jews because of their religion.
3. Why does Scout's question upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer, to the question (“How can you hate Hitler an’ then turn around an be ugly about folks right at home?”
Jem is still very upset about what happened to Tom Robinson. He believed that the jury would find Tom innocent because Atticus proved that he did not rape Mayella.
Chapter 27
1. What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarm Aunt Alexandra?
After the trial, Bob Ewell threatened Atticus, who made it clear he would not fight even if Ewell attacked. Ewell was also terminated from his job, someone attempted to enter Judge Taylor's house and the Ewells harassed Tom Robinson's wife as she walked by their home.
2. Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his enemies, and why?
Bob Ewell resents Judge Tayor and Atticus for simply doing the job to investigate the case.
3. What was the purpose of the Halloween pageant? What practical joke had persuaded the grown ups to have an organized event?
The Halloween pageant's theme was not along its usual lines but that year it was to show the diversity of agricultural products from the region.
Chapter 28
1. Comment on the way this chapter reminds the reader of earlier events in the novel.
when we find out that it was Bob Ewell that attacked them, it reminds us of all of the threats that he made against Atticus and his family
2. Why does Jem say that Boo Radley must not be at home? What is ironic about this? (Is it true? Does he really mean it? Why might it be important for him and Scout that Boo should not be at home?)
The irony of this is that Boo Radley has been nowhere but home for years
3. Scout decides to keep her costume on while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way?
Scout could not hear the sound that Jem heard behind them on their way home from the Halloween pageant.
4. Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be?
Scout thought that "this one was probably more comfortable where he was."
Chapter 29
1. What causes the “shiny clean line” on the otherwise “dull wire” of Scout's costume?
Mr. Ewell tried to stab Scout with the knife, but it hit the wire of the costume, causing the line.
2. What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell's attack?
Atticus said that Bob Ewell was out of his mind and insane.
3. What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?
Heck Tate said that Bob Ewell was a vicious coward who was worthless as a human being.
4. Do you think the sheriff's explanation or Atticus's is the more likely to be true?
I believe that Heck Tate's explanation is the more appropriate conclusion.
Chapter 30
1. Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell's death?
Atticus thinks that Jem killed Bob Ewell in the course of the struggle.
2. Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell's death was self-inflicted? In what way is this partly true?
It could be said that Bob Ewell's death was his own fault, since he died in an attempt to attack children.
3. Is Heck Tate right to spare Boo then publicity of an inquest? Give reasons for your answer.
Yes, Boo saved Jem and Scout's lives and brought a murder to his well deserved death.
4. How does the writer handle the appearance, at the end of the story, of Boo Radley?
"His face was as white as his hands...his cheeks were thin to hollowness...and his gray eyes were so colorless I thought he was blind. His hair was dead and thin, almost feathery on top of his head."
Chapter 31
1. How do the events of the final chapters explain the first sentence in the whole novel?
2. Comment on the way the writer summarizes earlier events to show their significance.
3. How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atticus's as she stands on the Radley porch?
4. How much of a surprise is it fo find what Boo Radley is really like? Has the story before this point prepared the reader for this discovery?
The story portrays Boo Radley as a villain throughout the novel, making his actual personality quite the surprise.